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Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller has written a strong and scathing response to his weight critics – after becoming the subject of an internet meme.
The actor, 43, was the subject of a post shared by The LAD Bible, which showed him looking lean and toned in a Prison Break promo shot, and looking slightly larger after filming wrapped . The caption read: “When you break out of prison and find out about McDonald’s monopoly.”
With 101K shares and thousands of comments, Wentworth soon came across the image, and had something seriously powerful to say back to his critics.
Revealing that the ‘fat’ photo was taken during a time of his life when he was suicidal, Wentworth said he was caught out by paparazzi while on a hike with a friend.
“At the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through.
Wentworth pictured in 2008
“And I put on weight. Big f***ing deal.
“One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. “Hunk To Chunk.” “Fit To Flab.” Etc.”
But Wentworth, who hit the big time playing Michael Scofield on popular prison drama, remains defiant in the face of the trolls who criticise him.
“Long story short, I survived. So do those pictures. I’m glad.
“Now, when I see that image of me in my red t-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without.
The original post on The LAD Bible (It has since been deleted)
“Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist.
“Anyway. Still. Despite.
“The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness.
“Of myself and others.
“If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you. Much love. – W.M”
Watch: Wentworth Miller’s heartfelt speech about his struggles with depression at the 2013 Human Rights Campaign dinner
LAD Bible have since removed the post and apologised to Wentworth, writing on their Facebook page: “We posted two pictures of you last night to our Facebook page, but today we want to say we’ve got this very, very wrong. Mental health is no joke or laughing matter.
“We certainly didn’t want to cause you pain by reminding you of such a low point in your life. Causing distress and upset to innocent or vulnerable people is simply not acceptable.”
See Wentworth’s full note here
If you, or someone you know, needs help, contact:
The Mental Health Foundation’s free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812) will refer callers to some of the helplines below:
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline (aimed at those in distress, or those who are concerned about the wellbeing of someone else) – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected]
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